Kyle Lafferty joins Birmingham on loan from Norwich

Birmingham have signed Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty from Norwich on loan until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old striker has made more appearances for his country than for Alex Neil’s Barclays Premier League side this season and has not played a senior game of football since January.

Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill expressed concern his top goalscorer from qualifying would be arriving at Euro 2016 out of shape, but the former Rangers goalscorer will now look to gain match fitness with Sky Bet Championship side Birmingham, who announced the deal on their website.

Gary Rowett’s Blues are six points off a play-off place, but have a game in hand on sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Lafferty, who is set to feature in Northern Ireland’s friendly with Wales on Thursday night, could make his Birmingham debut in their away game against Charlton on April 2.

He has made just 23 appearances for Norwich since signing in 2014, scoring two goals.